by John Perrotto, USA TODAY Sports

by John Perrotto, USA TODAY Sports

MINNEAPOLIS - Mike Matheny picked his own guy and the St. Louis Cardinals manager wasn't apologizing.

Matheny tabbed Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright on Monday to start for the National League in Tuesday night's All-Star game at Minneapolis, a decision that was sure to stir some controversy, particularly after Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Clayton Kershaw just had a streak of 40 consecutive scoreless innings end last Thursday.

Wainwright is 12-4 with a 1.83 ERA in 19 starts. Kershaw has gone 11-2 with a 1.78 ERA in 14 starts.

"It was not an easy task, though it may look that way," Matheny said about choosing Wainwright. "There is a lot of talent in starting pitching in the National League right now but I'd don't think there is anyone more deserving than Adam for what he's done over a long, successful career and this year."Wainwright was understandably thrilled to be chosen.

"Aside from the ability to having the chance to win two World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals, this has to be one of the highlights of my career," Wainwright said. "It's one of the coolest things, to be able to say I'm starting an All-Star game and I feel incredibly fortunate to be in this position."

Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell picked Seattle Mariners right-hander Felix Hernandez to start for the American League. Hernandez is 11-2 with a 2.12 ERA in 20 starts.

"It's always fun to be at the All-Star Game and I'm proud to be the starting pitcher," Hernandez said.

New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, who is retiring at the end of the season, will bat leadoff for the AL in his 15th All-Star Game. He is hitting. 272 with a .324 on-base percentage in 83 games.

"To be able to celebrate someone who is not only a champion but also set the bar with his class, and his ability â?¦ I think everybody who watches this game is going to remember Derek Jeter's last All-Star Game," Farrell said.